1.1What's the difference between a manufactured home and a modular home?

A manufactured home is any dwelling that is built on a permanent chassis that meets the federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards of June 16, 1976 (the HUD Code). Manufactured homes may or may not be placed on a foundation, and are commonly known as single-wide or double-wide mobile homes. They have special financing requirements, and may not be eligible for all loan programs.

Modular homes are homes built in sections at a factory. The sections are transported to the home site on flat bed trucks and set on a permanent foundation. Modular homes conform to the same state, local, and regional codes that apply to site-built dwellings. Because of this, they are not subject to any special financing guidelines. Wisconsin Homes and Dynamic Homes are modular homes, not manufactured homes.

1.2Why choose a modular home instead of a site-built home?

Simple, fast, and enjoyable experince. Modular home construction is quick and efficient, saving you the ongoing stresses of building on-site.

More affordable. Both Wisconsin Homes and Dynamic Homes modulars are more affordable than traditional site-built homes thanks to factory efficiencies and years of experience.

Fixed price guarantee. You contract the price for your home, and are guaranteed that price unless you direct a change order. The price is the price.

Built tough. Each home exceeds required building codes, and is reviewed by engineers for structural integrity before leaving the factory.

Built indoors. Your home is built indoors so it is never exposed to the elements, or is susceptible to weather-related delays. Before your home leaves the factory, it is sealed up tight to avoid moisture or warping problems in the future.

1.3Are modular homes contructed well?

Modular homes are built tough. In fact, Wisconsin Homes and Dynamic Homes modulars are built stronger than the majority of site-built homes.

Each home is reviewed by engineers for structural integrity, and we go above and beyond what is required. Modular homes are built with extra features to withstand being transported down the road as well as being craned into position, and these extra features have been proven to perform better than site-built homes in major natural disasters.

Wisconsin Homes, Dynamic Homes, and Kelly Building Systems use only top quality materials, leading brand name products, and calculated, precise specifications to insure you get the best value for your dollar. Some characteristics found in our standard line of homes are:

A flooring allowance of $54.00 per square yard. A large amount of our flooring is done on-site by your local retailer as we find that the performance of the floor is improved by having less seams, especially in high traffic areas where the home is put together.

1.4Are modular homes a good investment?

Absolutely.Modular homes appreciate in value just as other real estate in the market, and history shows real estate has always been and continues to be a great long term investment.

We say this with a word of caution, however. Not all modular homes are created equal, and many modular companies do not parallel Wisconsin Homes nor Dynamic Homes in terms of quality materials and craftsmanship. Unfortunately, the old adage applies — you pay for what you get. If you find a price that’s too good to be true, it probably is.

With our real estate business, Kelly Real Estate, we have done investment value studies on different brands of modular homes, and would like to present some examples for you to consider. In 2000, we built a new home that sold for $178,060 and resold for $243,500 in 2010. In 1999, a competitor built a home that sold for $112,500, and this home was listed for $40,000 and is racked with leaking, mold, and siding problems. It goes to show that the thrill of a low price is quickly overcome by the enduring sting of poor quality.

If you’d like to see for yourself, please ask us to view one of our modular homes that is several years old — we are happy to demonstrate the quality and durability of our construction.

1.5Are modular homes environmentally friendly?

Both Wisconsin Homes and Dynamic Homes have many energy efficient advantages.

Wisconsin Homes and Dynamic Homes know exactly how much material they need to finish each home, which results in much less construction waste than a traditional site-built home. Their factories are also set up to use and recycle leftover materials.

Wisconsin Homes and Dynamic Homes are also Energy Star qualified, resulting in a more energy efficient home that will save you money throughout the life of the home.

Other standard energy efficiencies include:

R50 insulation in the ceiling

R21 insulation in the sidewalls

2.1Can I modify the floor plan?

Absolutely! You can modify and existing floor plan, or create your own from scratch.

At Kelly Building, we utilize a computer aided design program to put your ideas to paper, and can work with you to create your dream home. In addition, you can customize your home to match your lifestyle with the unlimited amount of options we offer.

3.1How much are your homes?

Every home has its own unique price based on a number of factors. For example, the base prices for our Cavalier or New Horizon series homes are in the $70 per square foot range, while some of our more elite Loft or Chalet models base price around $105 per square foot, with all sorts of homes in between.

If you have a particular model in mind, contact us and we would be happy to give you the specific price. Otherwise, if you have a custom plan you’re considering, send it to us and we’d be happy to price it out for you.

3.2Will the price change?

Wisconsin Homes and Dynamic homes have taken all guesswork out of pricing. They know exactly how much a home will cost, how much material it will take, and how long it will take to build.

When you contract the price for your home, you are guaranteed that price unless you direct a change order. Unlike a site-built home, there are no surprises or cost overruns along the way. The price is the price.

4.1Can you do it all for me?

Sure. We are set up to handle the whole process efficiently — from start to finish — to maximize efficiency and keep your stress level low.

We can be the general contractor for you, and handle everything starting with the permits all the way to the finished home. Some companies may want you to handle many or all of the details beyond the home itself–permits, septic system, excavation, foundation, posts & base plate, crane, delivery, electrical, plumbing and HVAC system, finishing, garage, deck, porch, etc. In addition, we have our own crew who is directly employed by us and know that their attention to detail is what sells the next home and provides for their next paycheck. The intrinsic value of how the home presents when it is completed is hard to put a price on. Not all companies are the same in their finish work, and it shows. Our crew can do additional projects for you if you wish–garages, porches, decks, basement finish, etc., or assist you with them if you choose to complete them on your own.

Modular homes make building your own home enjoyable. We’ve all heard the stories of people building homes that were less than pleasant experiences. These are really unfortunate, because it shouldn’t be that way. We’re here to simplify the building process, help you every step of the way, and to make building your new home one of the most exciting times of your life!